© Mike Bird・Pexels License

United Kingdom

London

Home of the world's oldest Underground and the red double-decker. Tap the card you already carry and ride.

Taxis & ride-hailing

The iconic black cabs can be hailed on the street and take cards. Ride-hailing apps work well too - but never take an unbooked minicab tout, which is illegal.

Updated on July 15, 2026

How to ride

  1. 1
    Hail a cab with the yellow "TAXI" light on
    A lit light means available - just raise your hand. Tell the driver your destination after you get in.
  2. 2
    Book with Uber, Bolt or FREENOW
    FREENOW can also hail black cabs. Check the plate and driver name match the app before boarding.
  3. 3
    Pay by card
    Black cabs must accept cards. Tipping is optional - rounding up is plenty.

Typical costs

Fixed-price routes2

Black cab (short central trip)
Metered, varies by time of day (estimate - to be verified).
8〜25 GBP ≈ $11–34
Ride-hailing app (central, typical)
Dynamic pricing (estimate - to be verified).
8〜30 GBP ≈ $11–40

Estimates use exchange rates as of November 3, 2026

Payment

Tap to ride
VISAMastercardAmex
App tickets
Cash

Quick facts

Hours
24 hours
Fares from
8 GBP+

Heads-up

  • Never take a minicab that touts on the street

    Minicab touts approaching you on the street are likely illegal and uninsured. Only take minicabs booked in advance via an app or phone.

  • Black cab drivers have passed The Knowledge

    Black cab drivers pass The Knowledge - the world's toughest geography exam. You can trust the route.

Timetable

Operating hours 24 hours
Typical duration Central traffic is heavy - the Tube is often faster for short hops
Check the official site for the latest times and service status
Editor Naotaka